West Ham United defender Ben Johnson has surprised many by rejecting a move to Crystal Palace, opting to remain with his boyhood club. Journalist Dean Jones reports that Johnson has been offered a fresh five-year deal by the Hammers, securing his future in east London.
Several clubs, including Crystal Palace, Rangers and Leeds United, were circling Johnson with the anticipation of snapping him up on a free transfer this summer as his previous contract expired. However, Johnson has rebuffed their advances, choosing instead to commit his long-term future to West Ham.
According to Jones, Johnson’s decision appears to be influenced by the arrival of new manager Julen Lopetegui. Having seen limited playing time under David Moyes last season, Johnson is reportedly keen to impress under Lopetegui, who has a reputation for promoting young players into the first team.
While Lopetegui is actively seeking defensive reinforcements, Johnson’s decision to stay provides much-needed cover and competition at right-back. The 24-year-old’s ability to play on both flanks adds further depth to the West Ham defence.
Johnson managed only five starts in 22 appearances last season. However, with Lopetegui’s focus on youth development, Johnson has a significant opportunity to increase his playing time and establish himself as a regular starter under the new manager.
No doubt that the majority of West Ham fans will be thrilled with Johnson’s decision to stay. His versatility and potential offer valuable assets to Lopetegui’s squad. Johnson’s commitment is a positive sign for the club as they embark on a new era under their new manager.
So chuffed he’s staying coz with the right management (which I don’t think he got under Moyes) he can get even better. And when he played in midfield last season he did really well. And what loyalty to reject other Clubs to stay at West Ham and fight for his place. Good luck to the lad!!
The majority of West Ham fan wanted Johnson to move. He has had many opportunities under David Moyes in previous season, but sadly is not up to Premier League standard. Perhaps with a new Manager he can put his poor performances behind him and perhaps a fresh start will give him the confidence he needs. ‘Only time will tell.’
Very pleased, always liked him, and I feel he was badly treated by Moyes. He’s not the finished article but needs a run in one position to refine his game. It seems Julen rates him, and so do Palace who were smokin’ at the end of the season. So some support please and hold back the ‘useless’ comments.
Quality player with lots of potential, given a decent run in the side will do him the world of good.
I thought that he always did well for one or two games then bftecame complacent. Perhaps the new coach will keep him motivated to play better in every game.
Funnily enough, I agree with all of the comments above. But, I like Johnson & think that, despite the lapses he has shown, he has something to offer & am pleased that he is staying. Give him a fair chance & let’s see just what he can do & how he develops.
Excellent news. Good luck Ben. Hope you get a chance to show your talent.
It gives him a fresh opportunity to impress. I think he is missing something to his play. I hope JLo can push him on and find it.
His big weakness is his lack of positional sense, he’s also not a patch on Coufal in attacking play. But hopefully all that will develop and it’s nice to see home grown talent stay for a change. Good luck to him.
Morning Phil, I suspect Johnson will show more depth to his attacking game of given a run. He’s got a decent shot on him too.
Hi mate. I really hope he works out and that would be encouraging for the academy.
Really pleased about this, I don’t think we have seen the best of this boy yet and it’s obvious that this is where his heart is.
His main problem appears to be his concentration levels, an issue that is easier to resolve than lack of pace, lack of height etc. Good luck to him.
5 years, we never learn.
Expect he found out no one else would give him that kind of deal.
If he was good enough he would have played.
At least we get a few quid when he leaves now.
Keep his seat warm?